CDM - beware the domestic project.

The new CDM regulations came into force on the 6th of April 2105. One area of concern to both contractors and designers is the inclusion of domestic projects in the new regime. Formally domestic projects were excluded but that has now changed. Any project whether for a domestic client or not will now be covered by CDM where there is more than one contractor. The duty falls on the client who is the domestic householder to appoint a principal designer and a principal contractor. The appointment must be in writing. Where the client fails to do so the duties of the client will pass automatically to the principal designer and principal contractor.They may not be aware of this ( albeit one would hope the various trade bodies have been active in building awareness of this). The concern is that most domestic householders will not be aware of the changes. So is there a problem ? Well maybe - it is not clear that all those who have in the past carried out domestic work will immediately have the necessary competence to carry out the roles automatically assigned to them or be aware that the duties have passed to them.